How MassMutual's Data Science Lab Pushes the Envelope

Insurance Networking News traveled to MassMutual’s data science lab in Amherst, Mass. The lab is led by Sears Merritt, VP of data science for the life insurer, who talks here about the lab’s mission, its relationship with traditional IT and how it works to push the boundaries of what’s possible in insurance. INN: Can you tell us a bit about your background? SM: I spent a lot of time doing network infrastructure builds for telecom carriers and consulting work for small firms out in Colorado. While I was doing that I was pursuing education, getting my Ph. D. in computer science. INN: How did you end up in insurance? SM: I wanted to transition away from traditional technology work and transfer into stuff that was more data-driven. My consulting work…